interceptor

An interceptor is a type of fighter aircraft specifically designed to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft in the air. These are typically light, high-speed, and fast-climbing aircraft or missiles built for defense against bombers or missiles.12

The development of interceptors accelerated with the advent of jet engines, which allowed for speeds exceeding those achievable by propeller-driven aircraft. By the 1960s, interceptors were capable of speeds around Mach 2, with advancements in engine power and aerodynamics blurring the lines between different types of fighter aircraft. Some interceptors were initially designed without guns, relying solely on air-to-air missiles, though later models often incorporated cannons for close-range combat.3